“Firm action” on road toll

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33120, 10 January 1973, Page 1

“Firm action” on road toll

(New Zealand Press association)

WELLINGTON, January’ 9.

It was clear that firm action would be needed to reduce the death toll on the roads, said the Minister of Transport (Sir Basil Arthur) yesterday. He would raise certain proposals with the Cabinet “very soon.” Sir Basil Arthur said.

Sir Basil Arthur released a detailed analysis of the 1972 road toll, which shows that the figure of 713 persons killed is 5 per cent higher than that recorded in 1971.

But the figure for drivers and passengers killed, 483 is virtually the same as in 1971, when the total was 480.

“To have held this figure in the face of an increase in the number and use of vehicles represents some achievement.” said Sir Basil Arthur—“but it is not good enough for me.”

Pedestrian fatalities, at 127, are up by 12 per cent. Previous experience showed that pedestrians were responsible for most of the accidents they were involved in, said Sir Basil Arthur. But this did not exonerate drivers from a special standard of care towards pedestrians, especially the young and elderly. Motor-cycle and pillion rider deaths, at 76, are 35 per cent up on those of last year. “This is a substantial increase, although it must be considered in the light of a 22 per cent increase in motor-cycle registrations,” Sir Basil Arthur said. “Buti while the boom in motorcycling may mean more inexperienced riders about, it cannot be accepted as an excuse for the entire increase in accidents.” Cvclist fatalities fell from 29 to 22. Sir Basil Arthur said that this fall of 24 per cent, was perhaps statistically invalid because such small figures were involved: but the percentages did show there had been a worth-while improvement.

The statistics show that 387 persons died during darkness, and 324 during daylight. In two cases, the hour of death was unknown. The most dangerous hour of the day was 6 to 7 p.m.

when 54 persons were killed, although the hours 5 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. were only slightly better.